An intervention by Cambusbarron Community Council and a number of neighbouring residents has stopped Stirling Council from throwing out a proposal to develop this eyesore area (see photo) next to Hayford Mills. However, it may just be a temporary reprieve to allow more talks to take place between the planning department and the potential developers.

There are members of the Community Council who would like further clarification on matters such as road transport links and levels of affordable housing before any work is given the go-ahead.

This matter has been ongoing for many years. It returned to the CCC agenda in September when the monthly meeting was given a presentation by the Hayford Mills development architect Bobby Halliday.

CC Secretary Keith Ratcliffe and Planning Officer Alan Rennie then attended Stirling Council’s Planning Panel on October 6. The planning officers had recommended refusal of the application mostly on the grounds that the applicant’s developer contribution was unacceptable. After contributions from Council Officers and Councillors, refusal remained the likeliest outcome.

However, Keith Ratcliffe and Hayford Mills resident Mark Steward delivered cogent presentations which stressed that this site, due to its history, should be regarded as a special, perhaps unique, case. After a full discussion, the Panel agreed that further negotiations should take place.

Both neighbouring residents and the Community Council fear that refusal could mean that this ugly and potentially dangerous site will remain undeveloped for many years to come.

The Planning Panel agreed: 1 - that the applicant’s proposal of £105,000 as a developer contribution was unacceptable;

2 - to instruct officers from Planning, Housing and Education to undertake negotiations with the applicant to establish whether a greater level of developer contribution could be achieved, taking into account contributions towards Education, Affordable Housing and upgrades to Kersebonny Road;

3 - to defer determination of the application pending a further report to Panel advising of the outcome of these negotiations and clarifying the unique circumstances of the application site.

We await the results of the fresh talks between the parties with great interest. ​